The conundrum of the behavioral sciences is that they are not exact sciences in the same sense as physics or mathematics. Behavior is like the spectrum of light: it is as difficult to say when yellow turns into orange as when one behavior turns into another. It is a continuum of quantity, perceptible throughout its duration, describable only when quantity turns into quality.
Friendly, insecure, pacifying, submissive and fearful behaviors are a continuum of quantity, as are content, self-confident, assertive, dominant and aggressive behaviors. The distinction between any two behaviors is a matter of function; the borderline separating one category from the other is a matter of observational skill, contextual parameters and convention; the way we understand it all is a matter of definition.
Our brain likes to tidy up its stored information in small boxes, but once in a while, I like to turn them upside down. It’s good mental exercise.
© Illustration by Roger Abrantes with drawings from Alice Rasmussen.
Good illustration, thanks a lot! Life is a RAINBOW!
Hi Tilde,
It is indeed and I thought it was a good illustration to explain (and understand) our classification of behavior.
R-
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My Sophie sends mixed signals all the time (she’s fearful and reactive, but loving and sweet) and could give a behaviorist a lifetime of study opportunity!
To me you are of a rare breed of scientists who recognize that the object of their study does not fit in a square box. I like the nuances that you bring to evrything .
What a great description.
“they are not exact sciences in the same sense as physics or mathematics”
Overwhelming truth that we often forget…
Thank you Roger. Great illustration.
Cristina (Lua)
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Reblogged this on EQUILIBRE Gaiá and commented:
An interesting note on the spectrum of behavior from Roger Abrantes!